The Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) held its first annual State Policy Summit in Chicago on October 21st. State policy expert Rusty Haynes of Keyes, Fox & Wiedman opened the meeting with an overview of current distributed wind and solar policy trends in the states.

Over 50 distributed and community wind professionals and regional advocates then heard from the solar industry’s lead state policy strategist, Carrie Hitt. She updated the group on the solar industry’s state policy efforts and provided advice for the assembled wind professionals. The distributed wind industry has acknowledged that it is 7-10 years behind solar in terms of market development.

Colorado State Representative Crisanta Duran updated the group on the recent passage of the Renewable Portfolio Standard carve-out for distributed generation in Colorado, and provided feedback on how to successfully work with both solar and wind advocates. Attendees broke into smaller groups to discuss regional opportunities and identify next steps for state policy efforts in 2014.

Next year’s State Policy Summit will be held alongside Solar Power International in Las Vegas, NV on October 20th.